#United States #Coppola Winery #Emily Jenkins #Perfect Your Pizza #Nixa, Missouri

Emily Jenkins Clinches Victory at Francis Ford Coppola Winery's 'Perfect Your Pizza' Contest

On October 13, 2025, the Francis Ford Coppola Winery, a renowned establishment in Sonoma County, California, celebrated the crowning of its fourth annual 'Perfect Your Pizza' contest winner, Emily Jenkins from Nixa, Missouri. In a thrilling live cook-off, Jenkins triumphed over three other talented regional finalists, impressing the judges with her spectacular pizza, 'Fire Pine Pizza.' This culinary masterpiece featured pepperoni, stracciatella cheese, and a unique topping of pine nut-chili crisp. Jenkins paired her delightful creation with the winery's Diamond Collection Claret, which was later lauded for enhancing the flavors of her pizza.

The contest invited pizza enthusiasts across the United States to submit original recipes paired with the winery’s iconic wines. Among hundreds of entries, four regional finalists were selected for a chance at glory and an opportunity to win one of two grand prizes. Jenkins had the choice between an extravagant private jet tour of legendary pizzerias in New York City and Chicago or a cash prize of $25,000. Ultimately, she opted for the cash prize, a fitting reward for her hard work and creativity.

Two-time James Beard Award finalist and bestselling cookbook author Dan Richer returned as the Chief Judge. Richer, who has earned acclaim for his work in the pizza industry, expressed his admiration for Jenkins' winning dish, stating, "I want to eat that pizza every day. It was the best pairing of the competition by far, with the richness of Claret perfectly matching the bold flavors of the pizza."

This year’s contest featured an impressive lineup of judges, including:

• - Dan Richer - Chef/Owner of Razza in Jersey City, NJ
• - Andrea Card - Senior Winemaker at Francis Ford Coppola Winery
• - Tim Bodell - Culinary Director for Rustic Restaurant
• - Marcia Gagliardi - Founder and Editor of San Francisco's Tablehopper
• - Andrew Pollock - Marketing Chef at Mezzetta®

Each finalist showcased their unique pizzas and wine pairings, competing for the top prize. The participants included:

• - Chrissy Shurr from Patterson, New York, with her 'Detroit-Style Mushroom Pancetta' paired with the Diamond Collection Pinot Noir.
• - Sharon Ricci from Carthage, North Carolina, presenting the 'Mediterranean Pizza Tonnato' with tuna and arugula, which was paired with the Diamond Collection Rosé.
• - Ronnie Webster from Oakland, California, who offered his 'Heard It Through The Grapevine Pizza' featuring roasted red grapes and hot coppa, matched beautifully with the Diamond Collection Appellation Series Sauvignon Blanc.

The annual 'Perfect Your Pizza' competition not only celebrates culinary creativity but also emphasizes the delightful synergy between pizza and wine, encouraging chefs and cooking enthusiasts alike to explore this classic dish's potential. Jenkins expressed her disbelief upon winning, stating she had previously reached the finals in other competitions but had never secured a victory until now.

With a rich history and connection to the film industry, the Francis Ford Coppola Winery remains a beacon for wine lovers and culinary enthusiasts. Beyond the contest, the winery is renowned for producing award-winning wines that represent the best from California. It also offers visitors unique tasting experiences, seasonal events, and a chance to enjoy Italian-inspired cuisine at its Rustic Restaurant, alongside a collection of cinematic memorabilia from Coppola's illustrious career.

As the competition continues to grow in popularity, foodies and wine enthusiasts eagerly anticipate what creative pairings future participants will devise, ensuring that the 'Perfect Your Pizza' competition will remain a highlight on the culinary calendar.